During the Second Regular Session of the Executive Board of UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS, in the segment dedicated to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Ambassador Ernesto Soberón Guzmán, Permanent Representative of Cuba to the United Nations, reaffirmed Cuba's commitment to the agency's strategic priorities and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
In his speech, the Cuban diplomat stressed the urgency of accelerating progress toward the three transformative results for 2030: zero preventable maternal deaths; zero unmet need for family planning; and zero gender-based violence and harmful practices. He also highlighted the relevance of the Strategic Plan for the period 2026-2029 reintroducing a fourth outcome aimed at adapting to demographic changes on the basis of human rights, with a gender focus and supported by scientific evidence.
The Ambassador emphasized that, despite the lack of adequate, predictable, and flexible financial resources, UNFPA has played an essential role in 2025 in consolidating a global environment where sexual and reproductive rights and gender equality are a reality for all people. In the case of Cuba, he acknowledged that cooperation with the Fund has been decisive in strengthening maternal and child health programs, family planning, and sexual and reproductive health care, with an emphasis on adolescents and young people.
He also denounced the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States against Cuba, which severely limits the import of medical equipment, medicines, contraceptives, and basic resources, directly affecting care for pregnant women, children, and adolescents. “In the face of these obstacles, UNFPA's collaboration has been and continues to be essential to maintaining indicators such as low infant and maternal mortality rates,” he said.
Finally, he reiterated Cuba's commitment to the Cairo Program of Action, the Montevideo Consensus, and the 2030 Agenda, and expressed confidence that UNFPA will continue to play a decisive role in addressing the particular development needs of countries, despite the challenges arising from the financial crisis facing the UN.
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations